Welsh Rugby
Owen set to miss entire season
ESPNscrum Staff
July 8, 2011
Gareth Owen in action for the Ospreys, LV Anglo Welsh Cup, Cardiff Blues v Ospreys, Cardiff City Stadium, Wales, January 29, 2011
Owen will hope to recover from injury in time to play some part in the 2011-12 season © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Ryan Jones | Gareth Owen | Shane Williams
Teams: Ospreys | Wales

The Ospreys utility back Gareth Owen is set to miss the entire 2011-12 Rabodirect Pro12 season following a knee injury suffered in training.

Owen underwent surgery on Thursday to reconstruct his cruciate ligament. The 22-year old is one of the region's most promising players and has already appeared 50 times for the Swansea-based side. With the region expected to be heavily affected by players missing during the World Cup, the Ospreys would have looked to Owen to kick-start their Pro12 campaign. However, following a "substantial injury," Owen faces a fitness race to be back in time to play any part in the forthcoming season.

"It was a bit of a freak accident resulting in him twisting his knee, sustaining a substantial injury," the Ospreys head physio Chris Towers said. "As a result of this he will, in all likelihood, be out of action for the whole of the 2011-12 season.

"Thursday's operation was the first part of what will be a two stage surgical procedure to repair the damage and then reconstruct the cruciate ligament. At this stage we are unable to say anything more, but will update on his progress as and when we can."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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